| abstract |
The present invention relates to an improved, fully-integrated continuous process of enhanced process operability for manufacturing copolyether glycols having enhanced physical properties by polymerization of a reaction mixture comprising tetrahydrofuran and at least one alkylene oxide in the presence of an acid catalyst and at least one compound containing reactive hydrogen atoms. The copolyether glycols manufactured by the present process have enhanced physical properties of increased alkylene oxide incorporation, average molecular weight and polydispersity, as well as reduced crystallinity, color, oligomeric cyclic ether content, and linear oligomer having an average molecular weight of up to about 400 dalton content. |